Post-truth public diplomacy: a detrimental trend of cross-national communication and how open societies address it

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article divulges a new form of public diplomacy with post-truth content overseen by host countries to influence the cognitive and affective condition of publics in target countries. The goals of the practice are multifaceted and the negative impact on international communication and open societies is detrimental. All relevant concepts intertwined with the practice of post-truth public diplomacy (PTPD) that range from public diplomacy 2.0, post-truth content, international information flow, cyberspace issues, to unveiled PTPD cases are discussed in detail. Moreover, a four-fold typology of PTPD flow across national borders is illustrated for a better, comprehensive understanding of the PTPD terrain. Solution to address the alarming trend is proposed, which consists of five routes: detection and deterrence of PTPD sources, proactive monitoring and managing the communication space, increasing saturation of truthful information and antidotes of PTPD, media and information literacy education for target peoples, and maintenance of free cross-border communication for publics. The implications and ramifications of PTPD practice are also deliberated.